324 pages ; 21 cm

Relates the discourses, atmosphere, key moments, and Conan's reflections during the Papon trial in Bordeaux between October 1997-April 1998. Although the case against Maurice Papon, who was secretary general of the Bordeaux prefecture between 1942-44, seemed to be decided in advance, the daily journal reveals serious flaws in the 14-year-long pre-trial investigation of the case. The journal also shows that historians called in as experts were better informed than the lawyers about the chains of administrative responsibility and that representatives of the resistance gave contradictory testimonies regarding Papon's role in the deportation of ca. 1,500 Jews. Papon eagerly defended his case and denied his responsibility, which was historically established but difficult to prove legally 55 years after the events. He was freed of charges of complicity to murder and only charged with complicity to arrest and false imprisonment. He received a 10-year prison term for crimes against humanity

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